The Ministry of Textiles is set to strengthen the global presence of India’s Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged handloom and handicraft products through the GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit, scheduled to be held on 5 August 2026 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. Organised by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms) in collaboration with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), the summit aims to connect artisans, policymakers, exporters and international buyers while promoting India’s traditional crafts in global markets.
The event reflects the government’s continued efforts to enhance the value of GI-certified products, protect indigenous craftsmanship and create new business opportunities for artisans and weavers across the country.
Platform for Expanding Global Market Access
The summit will be inaugurated by Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita, while Textiles Secretary Neelam Shami Rao will attend as the Guest of Honour. Senior officials, including Development Commissioner (Handlooms) Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Amrit Raj and Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks Prof. (Dr.) Unnat P. Pandit, will also participate in the event.
Designed as a comprehensive networking platform, the summit will bring together overseas buyers from nearly 10 countries, Indian exporters, multinational companies, GI product proprietors, government representatives, retail brands, e-commerce platforms, academics and intellectual property experts. The gathering is expected to encourage partnerships that can improve market access for India’s traditional products.
More Than 100 GI Products to Be Displayed
One of the major attractions of the summit will be an exhibition featuring more than 100 GI-registered handloom and handicraft products representing diverse regions of the country. Visitors will also witness thematic displays highlighting India’s rich weaving traditions along with live demonstrations by skilled artisans and weavers.
These exhibits are expected to provide buyers and industry stakeholders with a firsthand understanding of the craftsmanship, cultural significance and uniqueness associated with GI-certified products.
Digital Handloom Atlas to Be Launched
A key announcement during the inaugural session will be the launch of the Digital Handloom Atlas, a technology-driven platform carrying the theme “One Platform. Endless Markets.”
The portal is intended to provide a comprehensive digital showcase of India’s handloom products, including GI-tagged items, enabling artisans and producer groups to reach wider domestic and international markets. By improving product visibility and connecting buyers with authentic producers, the platform is expected to strengthen India’s handloom value chain.
The event will also mark the unveiling of the Diamond Jubilee logo of the Handloom Export Promotion Council, commemorating the organisation’s contribution to promoting Indian handloom exports over the decades.
Recognition for GI Stakeholders
The summit will recognise contributions to the GI ecosystem by presenting GI certificates to registered proprietors and newly authorised users. This recognition is expected to encourage greater participation in GI registration and strengthen protection for traditional products through intellectual property rights.
Such initiatives are considered important for preserving regional identities while ensuring that artisans benefit from the commercial value associated with authentic GI-labelled products.
Technology and AI to Support Traditional Crafts
Alongside exhibitions and networking sessions, the summit will focus on how emerging technologies can enhance the GI ecosystem. Experts from IIT Madras will deliver a special presentation on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in areas such as product authentication, digital promotion and market intelligence for GI products.
Technical sessions will also examine issues related to GI registration, intellectual property protection, strategies to increase domestic demand and approaches for expanding the international reach of India’s GI handloom products.
Strengthening India’s GI Ecosystem
With participation from international buyers, exporters, retail chains, multinational corporations, policymakers and academic institutions, the GI & Beyond 2.0 Summit is expected to emerge as a significant platform for collaboration across the handloom and handicraft sector.
By combining traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation, market linkages and intellectual property protection, the summit seeks to enhance the competitiveness of India’s GI-tagged products while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for artisans. The initiative also aligns with the broader vision of promoting India’s cultural heritage through globally recognised, high-value handloom and handicraft products.
Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
